Masterchef judges got a taste of adobo and pancit from Filipino chef Ralph Xavier Degala, a son of an overseas Filipino workers who worked in Saudi Arabia.
In one of the latest episodes of the show, Degala cooked chicken adobo for the judges saying that he was proud to put his heritage on the plate.
“Filipinos, chicken adobo are like synonymous with each other and so I’m doing a deep fried version of it served with rice,” he told in the show.
“I’m just excited to really represent myself and the whole Filipino culture in the plate,” he added.
Degala is an accountant from Houston.
What the judges have to say
“He’s got a real way of communicating his passion about food,” said Judge Aaron Sanchez in an episode.
Sanchez had doubts while Degala was cooking but later changed his mind when he tasted the dish.
“It’s rich, it’s fun in a very unique Ralph way,” he said.
Even Gordon Ramsay was impressed by the Pinoy viand.
“The flavor, that is delicious. It’s a really good dish,” said Ramsay.
In an earlier episode, Degala had the chance to be the first contestant to team up with a judge. Partnering with mentor Joe Bastianich was one of the best days of his life, said Degala.
Bastianich was also the judge to give Degala an apron, getting him in the contest.
Apart from the show, Degala also has a YouTube channel where he shares his recipes like Filipino Shrimp Gambas and Bistek Tagalog.
